Opening THE Book with Rev John K-S January 2023

Rev John Kinchin-Smith
Assistant Minister, St Andrew’s Church, Gorleston

Is it possible to make a new start? Can the mistakes of the past be undone, the wounds healed, one’s wrongs be forgiven? For many people the beginning of a new year evokes such questions. Some make a New Year’s Resolution, an intention or promise to do better. What does the Bible say?
 
The Bible never hides the flaws of its heroes. Early in his reign, King David committed adultery with another man’s wife and then arranged for that man to be killed in battle. (You can read the story in The Second Book of Samuel chapters 11-12). He thought he could get away with it, but nothing is hidden from God. The prophet Nathan faced David with what he had done and spelled out the consequences. Psalm 51 is the expression of David’s deep remorse. He found forgiveness, made a fresh start and went on to be Israel’s greatest king and ancestor of Jesus
 
Saul of Tarsus had viciously persecuted the Church, with the imprisonment or death of many Christians. He was confronted by a vision of Jesus who asked, “Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (You can read the story in Acts chapter 9). He thought he had been serving God. The horror, guilt and remorse of what he had done never left him and references crop up in several of his letters. But by God’s grace he found forgiveness and gave the rest of his life, now known as Paul, to serving the Lord he had persecuted
 
The Bible says that God can wipe the slate clean, heal wounds, and enable a fresh start. The apostle John wrote, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). St Paul wrote, “If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” (John 8:36) 

courtesy of St Andrew's Church in the Gorleston Community Magazine

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